Releases e Notícias
Junho de 2011The Android mobile OS has rapidly become the Smartphone platform of choice
The AndroidÔ mobile OS has rapidly become the Smartphone platform of choice. A.B. Nielsen reports that as of March 2011 Android has 37% of the global market to 27% for Apple’s iOS and 22% for RIM’s Blackberry. Google claims 400,000 new Android device activations a day. It’s a cool platform. More important, it’s an open platform; one that encourages developers to innovate new apps and accessories.
Typical accessories for Smartphones include car kits, charging docks, and audio docks. But the amazing processing power and (relatively) large screens on Android devices can enable innovators to develop more sophisticated applications, many of which require I/O hardware and software. Personal health apps such as glucose monitors and heart rate monitors, and business apps such as credit card scanners and RFID readers, are just a few examples.
As of this week, developing these accessories and I/O devices is a lot easier. Microchip has just-announced Accessory Development Starter Kit for Android
Based on the 16- and 32-bit PICÒ MCUs, the kit leverages the USB connection capability in Android versions 2.3.4 and higher, to provide a direct communication of a development board with a Smartphone or tablet. The kit consists of a development board, including schematics/Gerber files and Arduino connectors for 3rd party daughter cards as well as a downloadable software library.
Go now to www.microchip.com/android and learn more about the development kit and its features.
